Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1887-03-17
PLATFORM
OF the National Party OF 5he Cher
okee Nation, Adopted in Con-
vention, at Tahlequab,
March 1ith, 1897.
The delegates in convention asse


The delegates in convention assem-
bled at Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation,
this llth day of March, 1887, do adopt
and proclaim the following principles
as those which distinguish and will be
supported by the National party of the
Cherokee Nation.
1st. The National party renews its
fidelity TO the existing form Of govern
ment Of the Cherokee people and
pledges itself 80 far as ia them lies,
to hand il down unimpaired to their
posterity.
ID. II pledges itself to faithful, in
telligent and impartial administration
of law.
Sd. In regard TO the Cherokee lands
west OF 96 degrees, included in our "pat-
ent," the National party declares that
the right of possession Of, and jurisdic-
tion over said lands. with the "iee"
thereof, remain, and will remain in the
Cherokee Nation, save and except such
tracts only as have been, or shall be, in
strict compliance with treaty, and not
otherwise, appraised, paid for and set
tied by friendly Indian tribes, and 80
continue thereafter TO be settled and
used in accordance with the purpose OF
treaty. It will strive to maintain en-
tire the national domain for the Cher
ok ee people, consistent with the pro-
visions OF treaty and the constitution,
and in so doing will seek to uphold
and defend the rights of the nation
and Of all of its citizens against the
trespass, depreciation and intrusion OF
citizens, bv applying 10 the U. :.
Government for the imposition OF
proper penalties TO restrain such
wrong-doing.
4th. The eminent success which has
crowned the educational and humane
policy Of the Natioal party, as witness
ed by the schools and asylums Of the
nation, is safe guarantee that the
highest moral, intellectual and social
welfare OF all classes Of Cherokee citi-
zens may be safely confded to its con-
tinucd care and guardianship recog-
nizing as 10 does the wisdom of the
trainers Of the Cherokee constitution
nearly fifty years ago, when they in
corporated in that honored instrument
the declaration that "religion, morality
and knowledge being necessary 10
good government, the preservation OF
liberty and the happiness of mankind,
schools and the means of education
shall forever be encouraged in this Ma
ton"
5th. The National party is hereby
pledged against all species of corrup-
ton in the details of the government
of this Nation. II especially inculcates
pure and patriotic motives in legisla-
tive conduct. 1t is accordingly oppos-
ell to the erection or filling Of any
office, in the filling of which a member
of either senate or council may have a
personal and pecuniary interest.
9th. The National party pledges
sN..NF III f,.l a.. a l..
orable obligations Of the Nation shall
be upheld.
7th. The National party pledges
itself 10 all citizens adopted under
treaty, the enjoyment of equal rights
with native ,Cherokees, and, should
friendly and honest difference Of opin-
ion arise with either or any class of adj
opted citizens, in regard to their re-
spective rights to the national prop
erty, the National party will, without
any spirit of contention, but for fair
ness sake, and TO effect final settle
ment of the question, invite reference
of the difference to whatever judicial
tribunal may be appropriate and des-
ignated TO decide the points at issue.
9Th. The National party obllgates
itself to oppose all special legislation
whereby valuable and far.reaching
privileges may he conferred upon indi-
viduals to the exclusion of the people
at large, and will, as far as practicable,
protect the rights Of the people in the
common heritage OF the nation.
9th. The National party will AZ all
times observe in good faith its treaties
with the United States and will cherish
relations Of continued friendship with
their red brothers Of the Indian Ter
ritOry.
10Th. II will foster industry, encour-
age enterprise and aid in the develop
ment Of the resources of the Nation by
a liberal policy toward labor and the
agricultural and stock raising interests
of the Nation.
llth. The National party condemns
as unlawful and arbitrary the intro
duction OF railroads in our country
without the consent If the Cherokee
people being had in reference thereto
and will favor the using OF all legal
means in testing the general question
involved.
18th. The National party points
with pride to the maintenance of the
integrity Of the Cherokee nation, the
advancement in knowledge and per-
sonal wealth Of its citizens, the judic-
ious management of its finances and
tnt HTauu recognition IL mas ODNhlutu
Of the rights Of the Cherokee Nation in
the district and supreme courts Of the
United States under the present ad-
ministration. With such a record and
with the declaration ofprinciples here
in reiterated it can justly claim the
continued support of the people Of the
Cherokee Nation, and now confidently
invites all classes OF voters to join
them heart and hand in the triumph
ant election on the first Monday in
August, 1887. 10 the offices Of principal
and assistant chiefs. OF Rabbit Bunch
and George w. CLARK, who have been
alike distinguished by integrity In
office and honesty and liberality in
private life.
DANIEL X. BIRD,
President OF the convention.
j. +. CAMPBELL,
gaeratary Of the COuVantiOn